Most cars imported into Sri Lanka come from Japan. The steps below are the usual order. Details such as fees, forms and eligibility change, so treat this as a map and confirm each point with your clearing agent.
1. Work out the tax before you choose
The import tax is often larger than the price of the car itself, so it decides what you can afford. Pick the likely class (see import tax by vehicle type), enter an approximate CIF value and the engine size in the calculator, and see the total landed cost before you fall in love with a car. How the tax is calculated explains every line.
2. Check that the vehicle may be imported
Rules on the age of an imported vehicle and on which vehicles are allowed are set by the government and have changed several times. Confirm the current rules with Sri Lanka Customs or your clearing agent first. See also vehicle age and import tax.
3. Find and inspect the vehicle
Sellers in Japan publish an inspection sheet that records the grade, mileage and condition. Read it, and ask for photos and an independent inspection if you can. Note the exact model, the engine capacity and, for a hybrid or electric car, whether it is a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid or an electric car: these decide the tax class.
4. Agree the price and the terms
Agree whether the price is FOB (loaded on the ship, no shipping) or CIF (including insurance and freight to Colombo). If it is FOB, you add freight and insurance to get the CIF value that Customs uses. See what the CIF value is.
5. Pay through a proper channel
Payment for a vehicle is normally made through a bank. Ask your bank what is required for an import payment, and keep every receipt: Customs may ask for proof of the value.
6. Shipping and insurance
The exporter arranges the shipment to Colombo, either by roll-on roll-off ship or in a container. Make sure the vehicle is insured for the voyage. You receive the bill of lading, the invoice and the export documents.
7. Clearing at the port
A clearing agent lodges the customs declaration, Customs assesses the duty, you pay, and the vehicle is inspected and released. The assessment is made by Customs and can differ from your estimate: see why Customs may give a different figure. Ask the agent for the fees you will pay on top of the tax (port charges, handling, clearing): the calculator has an optional section for these.
8. Register the vehicle
After release you register the vehicle, insure it for the road and get it licensed. Your agent or the seller can tell you the current steps.
A last check
Estimate first, confirm the class and the CIF value with your agent, and keep a margin: exchange rates and charges move. The figures on this site are estimates; the final duty is assessed by Sri Lanka Customs.